few_shots: Example:
Problem/activity:
Task
Cruz and Erica were both getting ready for soccer.
Cruz ran 1 lap around the school.
Erica ran 3 laps around the playground.
Erica said,
I ran more laps, so I ran farther.
Cruz said,
4 laps around the school is 1 mile, but it takes 12 laps around the playground to go 1 mile. My laps are much longer, so I ran farther.
Who is right? Draw a picture to help you explain your answer.


Standard options: 
A. Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.
Grade 4 expectations in this domain are limited to fractions with denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 100.
B. Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.
Grade 4 expectations in this domain are limited to fractions with denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 100.


Thought: This task asks students to compare two fractions that are equal. The two fractions have different numerators and denominators (e.g. 1/4 and 3/12). The students need to explain why the two fractions are equal by drawing a picture, which involves using visual fraction models.
Answer: A, B

Now, assign the following problem or activity to one or more relevant standards it aligns with.
shot_info: im_task_000212

4
options: Prove theorems about triangles. Theorems include: a line parallel to one side of a triangle divides the other two proportionally, and conversely; the Pythagorean Theorem proved using triangle similarity.

Use congruence and similarity criteria for triangles to solve problems and to prove relationships in geometric figures.
problem_activity: Optional activity
In both subsequent lessons and units, students will work extensively with similar right triangles. This activity gives students opportunities to practice the Pythagorean Theorem, and apply similar triangles in a contextual problem.
Launch
If students struggled to use the Pythagorean Theorem in a previous lesson:
Begin by asking students what they notice and wonder about the image from this activity.
Draw students’ attention to the right triangles, and ask them what must be true about the side lengths.
Provide some possible lengths for sides and have students practice finding an unknown side length in an isosceles right triangle to allow students to practice working with the square root of 2.
Speaking, Reading: MLR5 Co-Craft Questions.
Use this routine to increase awareness of the language used to talk about similar right triangles. Before revealing the questions in this activity, display the image of the quilt design made of right isosceles triangles. Ask students to write down possible mathematical questions that could be asked about the image. Invite students to compare their questions before revealing the actual questions. Listen for and amplify any questions about the features of the right triangles. For example, “Are all the right triangles similar?”, “What is the scale factor between the small and large right triangle?”, and “What are the side lengths of the right triangles?”
Design Principle(s): Maximize meta-awareness; Support sense-making
Student Facing
Here is a quilt design made of right isosceles triangles. The smallest squares in the center have an area of 1 square unit. Find the dimensions of the triangles.
[IMG]
Are the triangles similar? If so, what are the scale factors?
This quilt is meant for a baby (1 unit = 6 inches). To make a quilt for a queen-size bed, it needs to be 90 inches wide. What dimensions should the center squares of the big quilt have to reach that width?
Student Response
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for free access to Student Response.
Student Facing
Are you ready for more?
Here is a quilt design made of right triangles. Find as many different size triangles as you can.
[IMG]
Write similarity statements for 2 pairs of triangles.
The smallest triangles have legs 2 units and 3 units long. Write some equivalent ratios or equations that will help you determine the dimensions of triangle
\(LCQ\)
. Use your equivalent ratios or equations to find the dimensions of triangle
\(LCQ\)
.
Student Response
Teachers with a valid work email address can
click here to register or sign in
for free access to Extension Student Response.
Anticipated Misconceptions
Students who struggle with the number of similar triangles in the image can trace each size triangle separately onto tracing paper and label the corresponding sides using colored pencils.
Activity Synthesis
A key point to emphasize in this discussion is that ratios in which each ratio compares side lengths within each figure are also equivalent across similar figures. That is, for a triangle with side lengths
\(a, b, c\)
, and a similar triangle with corresponding side lengths
\(x,y,z\)
, we have equivalent ratios such as
\(\frac{a}{b} = \frac{x}{y}\)
.
Invite students to share strategies for scaling the figure up from a baby blanket to a quilt for a queen-size bed.


correct_option_index: 1